CONGRATULATIONS to President Aquino for a successful mission to South Korea a couple of weeks ago. He went there to attend the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in Busan.
In addition to attending meetings related to the summit, President Aquino also met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye to discuss plans for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” for bilateral cooperation between the two countries, both democracies that share “the values of freedom, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law,” Communications Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said.
Relations between the two countries date back to 1949. As an ally of the United States, the Philippines sent 7,240 soldiers to South Korea during the Korean War in the early 1950s.
The two presidents also discussed mutual security concerns for the region; agreements related to education, peace and order; and dialogue with the large South Korean community in the Philippines.
There an estimated 90,000 South Koreans residing in the Philippines, and most of the tourists in our country come from South Korea—some 1.16 million since 2013, which is a quarter of the number of annual tourist arrivals.
For its defense concerns, the Philippines has acquired for the government transport equipment and raw materials from a state-owned South Korean aerospace firm, according to a news item, as well as 12 FA-50 fighter jets.
While in South Korea, Mr. Aquino visited Korea Aerospace Industries, the manufacturer of the planes, and inspected one of the jets that the Philippine government bought. Two of the fighter jets will be delivered in December 2016, and the rest in 2017.
To support Philippine disaster-relief efforts, South Korea donated a 1,200-ton patrol combat corvette, a landing vessel and 16 rubber boats. This assistance extended to the Philippines is, by no means, the East Asian nation’s first; in one instance, they sent 500 troops to form a joint support group, nicknamed the Araw Troop, which conducted medical missions and helped with rehabilitating infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, public offices and welfare facilities, after Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan), hit the country in November 2013.
South Korea also extended $5-million and $20-million grants for reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Yolanda-stricken areas.
President Aquino thanked South Korea for its disaster-relief efforts to the Philippines.
In addition, while the President was there, the South Korean government extended a $500-million framework agreement loan—which has a favorable interest rate—for Philippine development projects.
Related to this, South Korea outlined development plans for the Philippines, specifically for Mindanao, in line with the infrastructure-development program of the Korea International Cooperation Agency, as well as a program for capacity-building in the future Bangsamoro region, Mr. Aquino said.
South Korea will also be providing expertise on port development and the building of coastal breakwaters.
Another fruit of President Aquino’s trip was the information shared by Park that some South Korean businessmen are interested in investing or expanding in the Philippines.
All in all, it was a productive mission, and an enhancement of the warm and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
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As Christmas approaches, let me share with you my best wishes for a happy and meaningful holiday.
Let us take this opportunity to give thanks to the Almighty for the blessings bestowed upon us that enable us to care for our families and loved ones, do productive work and enjoy our lives to the fullest.
We often take things that come our way for granted. But just take a look outside your window, and realize that many of our countrymen are carrying heavier burdens or dealing with greater challenges.
Let us pause for a moment in the midst of our celebration and spare a thought for those who have less and have lost more.
May we, in our own little way, be a source of compassion and comfort to others, for no one goes through life alone. In the midst of the darkness and despair in the world, let each of us be a light, a blessing, a hope.
May our commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ inspire us all to strengthen our commitment to serve the country.
I wish you and your families have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II is the vice chairman and general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.